Do not be afraid, Daniel. From the very first day you decided to seek understanding and humble yourself before your God, your prayer was heard, and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia resisted me for twenty-one days. ( Daniel 10:12–13)
Dan 10:12-13
There is an important lesson here about prayer. This passage shows that Satan and his evil hosts can directly oppose and delay answers to prayer. But Creator does set the limits beyond which no evil power can go.
Daniel fasted and prayed for twenty-one days and went through deep struggle in prayer. Nothing in the story suggests this happened because Daniel was unrighteous or because he prayed the wrong way. Rather, it was because Satan specifically opposed him.
God sent a messenger to tell Daniel that his prayer had been answered from the moment he first prayed. But an evil spiritual being confronted the heavenly messenger and fought against him, delaying him. A spiritual battle was taking place in heaven, while Daniel on earth experienced deep anguish that reflected the conflict happening above.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, and wicked spiritual forces in heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
Satan only delayed the answer for three weeks. Daniel did become extremely weak, and Satan would gladly have destroyed him if possible. Yet God did not allow Daniel to face more than he could withstand. Today as well, Creator does not allow us to face more than we are able to endure.
Many Christians experience spiritual opposition in prayer, but there is no need to lose heart. When prayers and faith continue to build up, they eventually break through like a flood. Not only does the answer come, but often additional blessings that are not expected come with it.
Hell attacks God’s people with all its power. The strongest and most faithful believers are often tested through the most intense trials and pressure, but Heaven will never abandon them. (adapted from W. L. Watkinson)
“Prayer and faith will do what no power on earth can accomplish. We are seldom in all respects placed in the same position twice. We continually have new scenes and new trials to pass through, where past experience cannot be a sufficient guide. We must have the continual light that comes from God. Christ is ever sending messages to those who listen for His voice. On the night of Jacob’s wrestling with the angel, the mighty wrestler had a revelation of the Infinite One. As a sinful, erring mortal, he trembled before the promise of God, while Heaven’s heart of love was yearning over the sinner. So also will those who seek for light and wisdom from God amid perplexities and discouragements be taught from Heaven.” (The Ministry of Healing,509)
“Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His experience testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It is now that we are to learn this lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The greatest victories to the church of Christ or to the individual Christian are not those that are gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.” (Patriarchs and Prophets,203)
“There is need of prayer — most earnest, fervent, agonizing prayer — such prayer as David offered when he exclaimed: As the hart pants after the water brooks, so pants my soul after thee, O God. I have longed after thy precepts: I have longed for thy salvation. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. These are the expressions of wrestling prayer.” (Testimonies for the Church,vol 4,534)
“The earnest prayers offered in faith will be heard in heaven. It may not be in accordance with our expectations, but the answer will come; perhaps not as we first thought it would, but at the very time when we most need it. But oh, how often prayer is offered in a cold, lifeless, spiritless manner. Such prayers God does not accept. He delights in prayer that is earnest, importunate. Jacob wrestled all night in prayer for a blessing, and he obtained the victory.” (Signs of the Times, November 18, 1889)
“The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger — a faith that will not faint though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God’s promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded.” (The Great Controversy,621)
“It is God’s purpose to carry forward His work in correct lines, in ways that will advance His glory. But Satan is ever trying to counter work God’s purpose. Only by humbling themselves before God can God’s servants advance His work. Never are they to depend on their own efforts or on outward display for success.” {4BC 1173.3}
Jesus told His followers a story to teach them that they should always pray and never give up. (Luke 18:1)
Eph 6:18
One of the biggest struggles in prayer is losing heart and quitting too soon. A person may pray for something for a few days, a few weeks, or even months. But when no clear answer seems to come, they often become discouraged and stop praying about it altogether.
This is a serious mistake. Many people start things but never finish them. That habit can damage every area of life. A person who constantly begins things without completing them develops a pattern of failure. Many beginnings with no completions. The same is true in prayer. If someone starts praying for something but gives up before the answer comes, they are building a habit of spiritual defeat.
When people lose heart, discouragement grows. Soon they begin to doubt whether prayer really works at all. That kind of unbelief weakens the prayer life and robs it of strength.
“To persist in prayer and not give up does not mean endless repetition or painfully long prayer sessions. Constant prayer means keeping our requests continually before God as we live for him day by day, believing he will answer. When we live by faith, we are not to give up. God may delay answering, but his delays always have good reasons. As we persist in prayer, we grow in character, faith, and hope.” (Life Application Notes re Luke 18:1)
Someone may ask, “How long should we keep praying? Is there a time when we should stop asking and simply leave the matter with God?” The answer is this: keep praying until the request is clearly answered, or until God gives deep peace and assurance in your heart that the answer is coming. Only then should we stop pleading. Prayer is not only speaking to God. Prayer is also listening to God. Prayer is also part of a spiritual battle against evil. God often works through the prayers of His people in that conflict. Because of this, God alone knows when the work of prayer is complete, not us. Sometimes we stop praying because we see the answer with our eyes. Other times we stop because God gives faith and assurance in the heart. That faith can become just as certain as physically seeing the answer, because it comes from God Himself.
As believers grow in prayer, they begin to recognize this quiet assurance from God. They learn when to rest in faith and when to continue praying until the answer comes. Remain at God’s promises until you meet Him there. God often comes to His people through the promises He has spoken in His Word.
“We must pray always, if we would grow in faith and experience. We are to be ‘instant in prayer,’ to ‘continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.’ Peter exhorts believers to be ‘sober, and watch unto prayer.’ Paul directs, ‘In every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.’ ‘But ye, beloved,’ says Jude, ‘praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God.’ Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God.” (SC 97)
As we are reminded in Scripture:
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thes 5:17).
Prayer should be continual and persistent, not something quickly abandoned when answers seem delayed.
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” (Heb 10:35-36)
This passage connects patience, endurance, faith, and receiving God’s promises, which is the main point for today’s message.
“When we know not what to pray for as we ought, we are to pray as did Jacob, ‘I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.’ This persevering prayer will bring the sure answer of blessing. God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. Then do not be afraid to trust Him, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your prayers.” (Our High Calling, 131)
In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow to teach one central lesson: God’s people should continue praying and never lose heart, even when answers seem delayed.
The passage begins by directly stating Christ’s purpose for the story: “people ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Before the parable even starts, Jesus reveals the meaning. Prayer is not meant to be occasional, weak, or easily discouraged. It is to be continual, persevering, and rooted in faith. Trusting in God’s “precious promises.” (2 Pet 1:4)
Jesus describes a judge who neither feared God nor cared about people. He was hard, selfish, and unmoved by justice. A widow repeatedly came to him asking for help against her adversary. In Bible times, widows were often among the weakest and most vulnerable people in society. She had no power, influence, or wealth. All she possessed was her persistence.
At first the judge ignored her. He had no compassion and no desire to help. Yet the widow kept returning again and again with the same request. Finally, the judge decided to act, not because he became righteous, but because her continual pleading troubled him. He said within himself that he would give her justice so she would stop wearing him down with her constant appeals.
Jesus then draws a sharp contrast between the unjust judge and God. The lesson is not that God is reluctant like the judge. Quite the opposite. If even a corrupt and uncaring judge eventually responds to persistence, how much more will a loving and righteous God respond to the cries of His people?
Christ says:
“Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?” Luke 18:7
The “elect” are God’s faithful people. They cry to Him “day and night,” showing continual dependence and trust. The delay mentioned in the passage does not mean God is indifferent. Rather, it reveals that faith is often developed through waiting. Prayer is not merely about obtaining things from God; it is part of a living relationship of trust, endurance, and surrender.
One important truth in this parable is that delayed answers are not the same as denied answers. Heaven may seem silent for a time, but silence is not abandonment. God sees the whole conflict between good and evil in ways human beings cannot. Sometimes He delays because He is working on circumstances, on other people, or on the heart of the one praying.
The widow also represents the condition of the believer in this world. God’s people often feel weak, oppressed, misunderstood, or surrounded by injustice. Yet Christ teaches them not to give up. Persistent prayer becomes an expression of faith. Every repeated prayer says, “I still believe God hears. I still believe He cares. I still believe He will act.”
This parable also shows that true prayer is more than casual words. The widow was earnest. She cared deeply about what she requested. In the same way, real intercession involves persistence because the matter truly matters to the heart. Shallow desires are quickly abandoned, but deep faith continues knocking at heaven’s door.
There is also an important connection between prayer and spiritual warfare. The widow had an “adversary.” Scripture often presents believers as living in conflict against the powers of evil. Persistent prayer becomes part of the believer’s resistance against discouragement, temptation, fear, and unbelief. This is why the enemy often tries to convince people to stop praying. If he can cause discouragement, he can weaken faith.
“The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence?” (SC 94)
Near the end of the parable, Jesus says something that is very striking:
“Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8
This reveals the deeper issue behind persistent prayer: faith. Continuing in prayer when answers are delayed is itself an act of faith. Anyone can pray once. Faith continues praying when nothing seems to change. Faith holds onto God’s character even when circumstances remain dark.
The parable of Luke 18:1-9 teaches that persistence in prayer is not trying to force God to care. Rather, persistent prayer keeps the heart connected to God until His will and answer are revealed. Prayer changes the believer as much as it changes circumstances. Through continued prayer, faith grows stronger, dependence deepens, patience develops, and the soul learns to trust God’s timing.
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.” (Rom 12:12)
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance.” (Eph 6:18)
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)
Together these verses show that persistent prayer is not fanaticism or unbelief. It is one of the clearest expressions of enduring faith in God.
Ephesians 6:18 brings the entire “armor of God” passage to its strongest point by saying how every piece of spiritual armor must be connected to constant prayer. Paul writes, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance.” This verse teaches that the Christian life is not fought merely by human strength, knowledge, or discipline, but through continual dependence upon God. The phrase “praying always” does not mean a person must speak prayers every second of the day, but that the heart should remain in continual communion with God.
“All prayer and supplication” shows there are different kinds of prayer. Worship, confession, thanksgiving, urgent pleading, and intercession for others. It depends on who we are and what is going on with us at the time. To pray “in the Spirit” means prayer is guided by the Holy Spirit rather than by mere form or empty repetition. Here, Paul also connects prayer with spiritual alertness by saying believers must watch “with all perseverance,” meaning they are not to grow careless, sleepy, or discouraged in prayer. In the context of spiritual warfare, this verse reveals that prayer is not separate from the battle; it is the very atmosphere in which the battle is fought. Without persevering prayer, the armor becomes ineffective because the believer is attempting to fight spiritual conflicts without continual connection to the power and purpose of God.
2 Peter 1:4 declares that God has given believers “exceeding great and precious promises.” Prayer is one of the best way for people to lay hold of those promises and bring them into our daily experience. The promises of God are not merely comforting statements to admire from a distance; they are invitations to come boldly before God in faith. When a believer prays over God’s promises, they are not trying to persuade God to be willing, but are responding to what God has already declared Himself willing to do. Prayer becomes the hand of faith reaching up to claim what God has spoken. This is why Scripture repeatedly connects prayer and God’s promise together. God often chooses to wait for His people to ask, trust, and persevere before fulfilling what He has pledged. he who created us knows that prayer deepens our dependence upon Him and teaches the soul confidence in His Word. As one Christian author stated it:
“Every promise in the Word of God furnishes us with subject matter for prayer, presenting the pledged word of Jehovah as our assurance.” — Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,133).
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us.” (John 5:14)
The promises of God reveal His will. Prayer gives the believer confidence to approach heaven on the basis of those promises. True prayer is therefore deeply connected to Scripture because faith itself is built upon hearing and believing God’s Word. When Christians pray the promises of God, they are agreeing with heaven rather than merely expressing human wishes. This is why persevering prayer grows stronger when rooted in God’s promises; the believer is no longer standing upon feelings or appearances, but upon the unchanging character of God Himself. Prayer anchored in the divine promises of God can endure delay, hardship, and silence because it trusts the One who spoke.
“Ask; then ask again, and keep asking. It is better far to ask than to receive without asking. The cloud of mercy is hanging over you, and God longs to have you claim His promises.” (Christ’s Object Lessons,145).
“God in His great mercy will give to all His believing people efficiency and power for His work and service, even as He gave power to Joseph, Samuel, Daniel, Timothy, and scores of others who availed themselves of His promises. They believed Him and relied upon Him, and this was their righteousness. Men and women have to move by faith. They have to press their way through the cloud of objections which Satan brings up to hinder their progress. When God sees that they will trust Him as their helper and their efficiency, they may pass safely through the great darkness…”.]{adapted from EGW, UL 206.4}
“Without the constant help which comes only from God, even those who are looked upon as the most eminent believers are in danger of falling into the sins which Satan has prepared to dishonor God. Bear in mind, all who claim to be believers, that it is only when you have that faith which works by love and purifies the soul, only when you have the joy of Christ’s salvation in the heart, that you are qualified to guide sinners to repentance and reformation. It is the genuine believer, who not only assents to the truth, but believes and practices the truth, who is not satisfied unless he has with him the presence of God, that is a power for good in the world.”{by EGW, UL 206.5}
And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls.It will happen that everyone who calls on the Lord’s name will be rescued.(Joel 2:32)
Rom 10:13
Why don’t we call on Him today? Why do I run to other people for help when God is so close and can hear even my weakest prayer? Why do I sit and try to figure everything out on my own? Why not immediately place myself and all my troubles in the Lord’s hands? The simplest way is the best way, so why don’t I go straight to the living God? I will not find real help anywhere else, but with God I will find the perfect solution, because He has clearly promised it right here in His Word.
I do not need to wonder if I am allowed to call on Him, because His Word “everyone” includes me. It includes anyone, anywhere, anytime, who calls on God. So I will follow this truth and call on the Lord who has made such a great promise to us all.
Yes, perhaps my situation is urgent, and I do not see how I can be rescued—but that is not my responsibility. The One who made the promise knows how to fulfill it. My part is to trust and call on Creator, not to tell Him how to act. I am His servant. We are His adopted sons and daughters. (Acts 2:17). We call on Him, and He will deliver us. (Rom 10:13)
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
One Christian author penned the following words:
“Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.”{EGW, SC 93.2}
Prayer enables us to receive Creator. This is so encouraging when we read John 1:12 which reads “to them that received Him gave He power, to them that received Him gave He the right, to become, to remain the sons and daughters of God.” (emphasis mine)
Such statements highlight the same principle found in Romans 10:13: calling on the Lord is not about informing God, but about entering into dependence on Him and receiving what He has already promised to give us all if we just call on Him. No qualifying, no fixing ourselves up first, no being a certain kind of person first. Call on Him. This is what the Word of God says: “Call on me….”
Romans 10:13, directly affirms the idea in Joel 2:32. In both places, the focus is on the universal scope of God’s promise and the simplicity of the response required. Joel originally spoke in the context of judgment and restoration for Israel, where calling on the Lord meant turning to Him in repentance and dependence during times of crisis. Paul applies that same promise, in a broader way, shows us that it now extends to all people without distinction. The core idea is unchanged: deliverance is not earned or engineered by human effort but received by calling on the Lord in faith and trust.
“So now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Eph 2:13)
This powerful text adds the necessary foundation for the promise:
“now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Eph 2:13)
The qualification for deliverance is not found in us at all, but entirely in what Christ has accomplished through His sacrifice. The reason anyone can call on the Lord and be saved is because the cross has made access possible. His shed blood is what removes distance, guilt, and separation, by bringing the sinner near to God. Calling upon the Lord is the response, but the cross, and all that it involved is the basis that makes that our calling on Him effective.
As one writer put it
“Hanging upon the cross Christ was the gospel. Now we have a message, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (EGW 6 BC 1113.1)
The cross is not merely an example or symbol; it is the actual means by which sinners are brought near and qualified to receive deliverance. Because of what Christ has done, we know what He wants to do. because of what He has done, we know what He will do. The promises of Joel 2:32 and Romans 10:13 stand firm for anyone who calls on His name. Jesus says “They will be saved!”
“Hanging upon the cross Christ was the gospel. Now we have a message, “Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sins of the world.” Will not our church members keep their eyes fixed on a crucified and risen Savior, in whom their hopes of eternal life are centered?
This is our message, our argument, our doctrine, our warning to the impenitent, our encouragement for the sorrowing, the hope for every believer.
If we can awaken an interest in men’s minds that will cause them to fix their eyes on Christ, we may step aside, and ask them only to continue to fix their eyes upon the Lamb of God. They thus receive their lesson.
Whosoever will come after Me, let them deny themselves, and take up their cross, and follow Me. Anyone, whose eyes are fixed on Jesus will leave all. They will die to selfishness. They will believe in all the Word of God, which is so gloriously and wonderfully exalted in Christ.” {EGW, 6BC 1113.1}
“Be perfect, therefore, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
(1 Cor 2:5)
“Christ sets before us the highest standard of Christian character—one we should aim for throughout our lives. Paul speaks about this kind of perfection when he writes: “Not that I have already reached it or have already become perfect, but I press on… I press toward the goal for the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12–15).
How can we reach the kind of perfection our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ calls for? Is it really possible to meet such a high standard? Yes—it must be, or Christ would not have commanded it. He is our righteousness. By becoming human, He went before us and achieved a perfect character on our behalf. We are to place our faith in Him—a faith that works through love and purifies the soul. True character perfection is based on what Christ is to us. If we continually depend on our Savior’s merits and follow His example, we will become like Him—pure and undefiled.
Christ does not ask anything impossible of us. He does not expect His followers to do anything without also giving them the grace and strength to accomplish it. He would not call us to be perfect unless He had every necessary grace ready to give. He has promised that He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask than parents are to give good gifts to their children.
Our responsibility is to strive, within our own lives, to reach the same kind of character perfection that Christ demonstrated in every aspect of His life on earth. He is our example. In everything, we should aim to honor God through our character. When we fall short day after day of God’s standard, we put our salvation at risk. We need to understand and value the privilege Christ gives us, and show a firm commitment to reaching the highest standard. We must rely completely on the power He has promised to provide.
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers,and sisters I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. (Phil 3:12-15, ESV)” (1)
“Sometimes trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves us drained and discouraged. We may feel so far from perfect that we think we can never please God with our life. Paul used perfection (Phil 3:12) to mean mature or complete, not flawless in every detail. Those who are mature should press on in the Holy Spirit’s power, knowing that Christ will reveal and fill in any discrepancy between what we are and what we should be. Christ’s provision is no excuse for lagging devotion, but it provides relief and assurance for those who feel called of God to a higher standard.” (2)
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(1)(adapted from That I May Know Him,May 4th,by EGW)
(2)(adapted from Life Application Notes, Phil 3:12-15)
In the same way that you accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, keep living your life in Him. Let your roots grow deep into JESUS and build your life on JESUS. Stay strong in the faith you were taught and be filled with gratitude. Colossians 2:6-7.
clean heart, Psalms 51:10
If there was ever a time to truly live up to the name of Christian, it is right now. Are we actually following Christ in our daily lives? This is a personal journey. We must look closely at our own spiritual health and our own responsibilities.
Do those who understand the truth for our time stay anchored to what the Bible teaches? Are our only defenses the words of God and the things written in scripture? Is our hope securely fastened in the presence of God? We must be personally grounded in the gospel so we can be steady, strong, and settled. As people who understand God’s mysteries and have been given his living messages, are we being faithful to that trust? People who have truly changed will show others, like a true witness, how the truth has transformed their character and purified their lives.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:1-3, NIV)
If we carry the weight of eternal truth, we will tell a world lost in sin what it means personally to us, to have the redeeming love of Christ in our souls. If we are genuinely united with Christ, it has to be because his truth has taken over the temple of our souls.
A heart that welcomes Jesus will love the truth that cleanses and changes us, and it will work hard to protect and share the faith passed down to us. No one should stop until they have completely surrendered themselves to God. Start this work in your own heart. Stop worrying about what everyone else is doing and focus on Christ. You have a soul to save or a soul to lose, and this is far too important to be indifferent about.
One of the most sincere prayers in the Bible is the request for God to create a clean heart in us, as found in Psalm 51:10. And from the one who loved us enough to give his life, we have a great promise in Ezekiel 36:26: he will give us a new heart.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalms 51:10, NIV)
God Himself promises to answer this prayer:
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26, NIV)
(adapted from That I May Know Him, by EGW, May 3rd)
As a prisoner for the Lord, I am urging you to live a life that is worthy of the high calling you have received. (Eph 4:1)
your calling Eph 4:1
Jesus expects those who use His name to represent Him well through their attitude, their words, and their behavior. In everything you think, say, and do, you should strive to be like Him. If you claim to be a Christian but your life doesn’t reflect His character, you are giving people a reason to doubt Jesus. Living inconsistently doesn’t just look bad; it actively dishonors Jesus.
The way God’s grace shows up in human lives is proof that the truth is powerful. If someone says they follow Christ but never shows that grace to others, their claim is fraudulent. You cannot lower yourself to the world’s standards without betraying your faith. To do so is offensive to God, and He cannot claim someone as a disciple if they aren’t loyal to His principles.
A Christian should stand on solid ground as a partner with God, but that is never an excuse to be arrogant. You should firmly reject anything that goes against truth and goodness, but you must do it with the same spirit Jesus had.
Avoid the holier than thou attitude. Never act like you are better than others. Stay committed. Refuse to give in to sin because you’ve made a sacred promise to honor Jesus. Be an example. Use your life to show that the Bible’s principles work, but make sure your love makes your faith look attractive to others. Reject bigotry. Show genuine compassion for people who have lost their way rather than judging them.
Live and work with the same spirit Jesus had. Stay alert, because you will face temptations. You must be rock solid when it comes to your principles. Make sure your character reveals who Jesus is. If you trust Him constantly, the Lord will be your source of energy, your strength, and your ultimate reward.
-adapted from That I May Know Him, by EGW, May 2nd
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” (Mark 10:51, NIV)
John 1:12-13
It is only when we recognize our own brokenness that we truly seek a Healer. When Jesus lived among us, it was the sick who sought out the doctor. The poor, the suffering, and the desperate followed Him because He offered a level of help and comfort that the rest of the world simply couldn’t provide.
Consider “Blind Bartimaeus,” sitting by the roadside. He had waited a long time for a chance to encounter Christ. All around him, crowds of people with perfect physical vision were busy going about their lives, yet they had no interest in seeing Jesus. A single look of faith would have connected them to His divine love, mercy, and grace, but they were largely unaware of their own spiritual “sickness.” Because they didn’t feel they lacked anything, they felt no need for Jesus. Bartimaeus knew exactly what he lacked. In his eyes, even though he was physically blind, Bartimaeus knew his only hope was Jesus.
As Bartimaeus sat waiting, he heard the sound of a large crowd. He asked what was happening, and when people told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” he didn’t hesitate. With intense desperation, Bartimaeus shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:46)
Even when the people around him tried to shut him up, Bartimaeus only cried out louder. His persistence paid off. Jesus heard him, and his unwavering faith was rewarded. Bartimaeus received more than just his physical sight; his spiritual eyes were opened as well. He recognized Christ as his Redeemer, and the light of Heaven flooded his soul.(Mark 10:52)
This amazing story of Bartimaeus serves as the perfect blueprint for people today. “Anyone who recognizes their need for Christ as clearly as Bartimaeus did will find Him.” God loves you and His promise is for you: “You will seek Him, and you will find Him, when you search for Him with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13).
Anyone who is as earnest and determined as Bartimaeus was will receive the blessings they seek. Those who suffered and turned to Jesus were captivated by His divine character and the “beauty of holiness” He radiated. Ultimately, anyone who accepts Christ through faith is given the power and right to become a child of God.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13,KJV)
– adapted from Sons and daughters of God, Apr 23rd, by EGW
“…grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Pet 3:18)
2 Pet 3:18
To “grow in grace” means to become more like Christ in heart—more patient, kind, forgiving, and humble. To grow “in knowledge” means to understand Him more clearly—who He is, what He has done, and what He is doing now.
These are not separate things. They feed each other. The more you truly know Christ, the more your life changes. And the more you live in His grace, the more clearly you understand Him. Knowing Christ is not just information. It is a living relationship that transforms the heart. (Rom 12:1-2)
“This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” (2 Pet 1:12)
Peter is saying that grace is mediated or multiplied through knowledge of Christ. Grace is not received in isolation. In or of itself. Grace is according to our needs, and in each met need our knowledge of Christ deepens. Knowledge here is relational (experiential), not just intellectual. Increased reception of Grace turns into a greater knowledge of Christ, which leads to the transformed life of a Christian. We come to know Christ—and receive His grace—through His promises.
God gives a promise, such as forgiveness, strength, presence, new heart. We believe the promise, not just intellectually,but personally, and we say with belief: “Wow, this is for me.” Our faith connects you to Christ. Faith is not our Savior. Jesus is. Faith is simply the “hand’ by which we appropriate His merits. One of His promises could be that “hand.” The promises are expressions of His character. Claiming the promise, we begin to experience what the promise describes. We may know Him more deeply, not by theory, but by lived reality. Personal experience with Jesus. Every promise reveals something specific about Christ. A promise of forgiveness shows His mercy. A promise of strength shows His power. A promise of presence shows His faithfulness. When we trust a promise of God and experience it, we are not just receiving a benefit, we are encountering the Person behind it. That is why Peter says this leads to being “partakers of the divine nature,” because by this process we begin to share in His character.
Jesus said “Anyone that has my commandments, and keeps them… I will love them, and will manifest myself to them.” (John 14:21) Christ “manifests” (reveals) Himself through lived response to His word, which would include His promises. This is a good example of experiential knowledge. Jesus “manifests” (reveals) Himself through lived response to His word—which includes His promises. This is experiential knowledge. Receiving God’s grace multiplies the ways we can know Him as he truly is. Christ is known through His word, especially by His great and precious promises. Promises, when believed, become channels of grace. Grace experienced leads to deeper knowledge of Him.
“Promises are estimated by the truth of the one who makes them. Many [people] make promises only to break them, to mock the heart that trusted in them. Those who lean upon such [people] lean upon broken reeds. But God is behind the promises He makes. He is ever mindful of His covenant, and His truth endureth to all generations” {7BC 942.12}
“It is the Lord’s desire that His followers shall grow in grace, that their love shall abound more and more, that they shall be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the praise and glory of God.”{7BC 947.2}
“One of the divine plans for growth is impartation. The Christian is to gain strength by strengthening others. “He that watereth shall be watered also himself.” This is not merely a promise; it is a divine law, a law by which God designs that the streams of benevolence, like the waters of the great deep, shall be kept in constant circulation, continually flowing back to their source. In the fulfilling of this law is the secret of spiritual growth.” {7BC 947.3}
“Peter urged his readers to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; that is, they were to get to know him better and better. This is the best way to discern false teaching. No matter where we are in our spiritual journey, no matter how mature we are in our faith, the sinful world will always challenge our faith. We still have much room for growth. Every day we need to draw closer to Christ so that we will be prepared to stand for truth in any and all circumstances.” (Life Application Notes)
Why Is Jesus Called Both Lord and Savior?
The verse calls Jesus both “Lord” and “Savior” because He does two inseparable works. As Savior, Jesus rescues us from sin, both its guilt and its penalty. As Lord, Jesus leads our life—guiding, correcting, and speaking the truth in love. If Jesus only saved but did not lead, then what would stop us from falling again? If Jesus only ruled but did not save, how could we ever have hope beyond this life? We would then have no hope. The two titles do belong together. Thats why the Bible says
“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” (1 Cor 15:19)
“Why does Paul say believers would be “more to be pitied than anyone in the world” if there were only earthly value to Christianity? In Paul’s day, Christianity often brought a person persecution, ostracism from family, and, in many cases, poverty. There were few tangible benefits from being a Christian in that society. It was certainly not a step up the social or career ladder. More important is the fact that if Christ had not been resurrected from the dead, Christians would not be forgiven of their sins or have any hope of eternal life. If what Christians believe is a lie, we would be pitiful because we would be going through such suffering for no purpose. Fortunately, that is not the case!” (Life Application) Our hope in eternal life goes well beyond the things of this earth.
Many other verses will show us the same thing, how that the two titles, “Savior” and “Lord” do belong together:
Luke 2:11 — “For unto you is born this day… a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Jesus is not partly one and partly the other. He is fully both Savior and Lord.
A Picture of The Growing Christian
If you painted a picture of someone living this verse, you would not just see some manner of outward success. You would also see quiet, steady change such as a person who forgives when hurt, someone who is patient under pressure, a life that reflects humility instead of pride,
or, perhaps the steady trust in God even when things are unclear. This kind of growth is often slow, like light increasing at sunrise. Scripture describes it this way:
Proverbs 4:18 “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
Knowing God, by experiencing His grace, is not instant perfection. It is steady progress. It is growth. That’s why Peter says “Grow in grace. He is regognizing it is all a process, not just one event.
Growth Under Severe Trial
Now imagine my own, personal experience. In a hospital bed, with severe burns over half their body. Everything outward looks broken—pain, weakness, severe disfigurement, long recovery. What would “growing in grace and knowledge” look like here? If you were able to look at a picture of that, what might you see in the picture? Perhaps, we would see things like trust in God even through intense suffering. Peace that does not come from circumstances or other people. Great patience that endures in a very long healing process, a quiet, powerful testimony that points others to Christ. In such a setting, growth may not look like activity, but it does look like endurance, surrender, and deep trust.
2 Corinthians 4:16 — “Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” Even when the body is breaking down, almost destroyed, the inner life can still grow stronger. We can grow in grace, no matter what.
To grow in grace and knowledge is to live in a deepening relationship with Christ. As Savior, He heals and restores us. As Lord, He guides and shapes us.
In everyday life, this growth shows as steady, consistent character change. In suffering, it shows as quiet endurance and deeper trust. Whether in strength or weakness, the same truth holds. The more we know Jesus, the more we become like Jesus.
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory…” (2 Cor 3:18)
“…when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)
“…the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” (Col 3:10)
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ…” (John 17:3)
“That I may know him… being made conformable unto his death.” (Phil 3:10)
Seeing JESUS clearly means becoming like JESUS. Growth in knowledge of Christ means renewal into His image. Knowing Christ is not just information. Knowing Christ is transformative, life-giving. Knowing JESUS leads to conformity to His character and experience.
“By beholding we become changed. As we contemplate the character of Christ, we become changed into His image.” (COL 355)
“A true knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent transforms the character.” (MH 409)
“The more we know of Christ, the more we shall reflect His image.” (RH April 24, 1888)
“When we are united to Christ, the mind is brought into harmony with His mind, the will is merged in His will, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him.” (5T 514)
“Glorious is the triumph awaiting the faithful. The apostle, realizing the possibilities before the Corinthian believers, sought to set before them that which uplifts from the selfish and the sensual, and glorifies life with the hope of immortality. Earnestly he exhorted them to be true to their high calling in Christ. “My beloved brethren,” he pleaded, “be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” {AA 321.1}
Elijah was a man just like us. He had the same kinds of feelings and struggles. He prayed very earnestly that it would not rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three and a half years. Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. (James 5:17–18)
(1 Cor 2:4,5)
There are some very important lessons for us in Elijah’s life. In our opening text for today, we see how, when he was on Mount Carmel and prayed for rain, his faith was tested. Still, he kept bringing his request to God again and again.
Elijah’s servant watched while Elijah prayed.
Six times he came back and said, “There is nothing—no cloud, no sign of rain.”
But Elijah did not give up. He did not become discouraged. Instead, he looked carefully at his own life to see if he had failed to honor God in any way. As he searched his heart, he felt smaller and smaller in his own eyes, and he saw that God was everything.
As Paul once said: “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” (1 Cor 2:4-5)
This is what Elijah wanted. He wanted to rely only on God, and not in his own human wisdom.
When Elijah came to the point where he gave up trusting in himself and trusted fully in God, the answer came. Yes, he had to repeat the same prayer six times, but finally his servant returned and said:
“Look, there is a small cloud rising from the sea, about the size of a man’s hand.” (1 Kings 18:34)
That small cloud would have been hard to see. That small cloud was just the size of your hand. That small cloud teaches us something important.
God’s answers may be significantly delayed. God’s answers may begin very small, almost unnoticeable. But Elijah trusted God even when there was no sign. Elijah trusted God even when the sign was so small that the average person would not see it. Elijah trusted God because he knew the power of the text that says “despise not the day of small beginnings.” (Zech 4:10)
Elijah was a man of God who experienced the enormous power of “no sign.” Elijah was a man who personally experienced the exponential power of only a tiny sign. A miniature token of indication that God was there. Elijah did not wait for a great storm to believe. Elijah believed even when he saw just a little cloud. In the same way, his experience is to be that of the Christian today who professes the name of Jesus. We can always trust God even when we see no sign! We should always trust God even when we see only a very small beginning of His answer.
We have a God who listens to our prayers. If we trust His word, He will honor our faith. He wants our lives to be closely connected with His will. Then He can safely bless us, because we will not take the credit for ourselves. Instead, we will give all the praise to Him. Now, God does not always answer right away. If He did, we might think we deserve His blessings. That we have some kind of merit. Or personal influence. We might stop examining our hearts and become careless. We might forget how much we depend on Him. We might presume the answer we want rather than what he wants.
This is why God alone is worthy to be glorified. When we understand who He is, we see that all honor belongs to Him. The Bible calls us to “fear God and give glory to Him,” because He is the Creator of all things. Rev 14:6–7 reminds us that everything we have comes from Him, not from ourselves. When we truly see this, we stop lifting ourselves up and instead give Him the praise He deserves.
Rev 14:6-7 gives God’s people everywhere, today the full assurance of the cross and this is why we cannot give any glory to ourselves for anything that God does in and through us. Our Creator God gives His people today the most powerful declaration where He says “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isa 42:8,11)
Elijah humbled himself until he no longer wanted any glory for himself. This is the condition upon which God hears prayer. And when we are humble, we will give all the praise to Him for God alone is worthy to be glorified. (Rev 14:6-7)
“The Christian’s most powerful resource is communion with God through prayer. The results are often greater than we thought were possible. Some people see prayer as a last resort to be tried when all else fails. This approach is quite backwards. Prayer should come first. Because God’s power is infinitely greater than ours, it only makes sense to rely on it—especially because God encourages us to do so.” (Life Application Notes)
In 1 Kings 18:34, when the servant says, “there is nothing,” he is reporting exactly what human eyes can see—no cloud, no rain, no visible answer. Yet Elijah continues to pray because he is not depending on sight, but on God’s word and promise. When he continued to pray like this, the man of God showed us a key principle for the believers of today: what we see is often incomplete. The Bible makes this clear in 2 Cor 4:18
“while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
And in The Old Testament Creator declares how that His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways (Isa 55:11-12)
In other words, what appears to be “nothing” in our limited sight may actually be the beginning of God’s unseen work. The absence of visible evidence is never a sign of the absence of God’s activity.
This truth is also explained in 1 Samuel 16:7: “for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” God sees deeper and farther than we can. In a given situation, we may judge by circumstances or our ever-changing feelings and conclude that nothing is happening, but God may already be moving in ways we cannot detect.
Elijah understood this difference. While the servant saw an empty sky, Elijah trusted a faithful God. This teaches us that faith rests not on what we can measure or observe, but on who God is. When we face moments that seem empty or silent, we are invited to trust that God sees what we cannot, and that His purposes are already in motion even when we cannot yet see the result.
Magnifying the Lord
Let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. Psalms 40:16.
As witnesses for Christ, we are to tell what we know, what we ourselves have seen and heard and felt, If we have been following Jesus step by step, we shall have something right to the point to tell concerning the way in which He has led us. We can tell others how we have personally tested His promise, and found the promise true. We can bear witness to what we have known of the grace of Christ. This is the witness for which our Lord calls, and for want of which the world is perishing. (1 John 1:1-3, Rev 12:11)
The true Christian will make God first and last and best in everything. No ambitious motives, no discouragements, no short sightedness will ever chill their love for God. (the opposite of the rest of the world where the bible says “the love of many will wax cold.” Steadily, with perseverance, sometimes almost imperceptively, will a true Christian strive in the effort to always give honor that points to our Heavenly Creator. Our Father in Heaven. It is when we are faithful in exalting the name of God that our impulses are under divine supervision, and we are enabled to develop both spiritual and intellectual power.
In our meager human realms, feelings can be a small sign. Feelings can sometimes even be no sign! Most often our feelings are NO SIGN of anything, at least to us! But does “no sign” mean that God is not at work? Does “no sign” have to mean that God cannot be glorified? Does “no sign” mean that we have to fall apart?
Friends, let me tell you now about three very famous men.
Three men were walking on a wall. Feeling. Faith and Fact. (the FACT being God’s Word, the FACT being God’s promises!) And so here we have three men. Feeling, Faith, and Fact who were walking on a wall. When Feeling had an awful fall, and Faith was taken back. Fact remained and brought Faith back. And Faith brought Feeling too!
Friends, according to the everlasting gospel, there is hope among the tiniest fragments of our lives. If your heart has been broken by grief, by worry, by fear, by anxiety, or by anything else, just make art with all the pieces. Jesus will help you to do that! In our humanity, we are born of the anguish we bear, and we turn all that into the love we want to give. This is precisely why Jesus said
“Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” (John 6:12)
Those with whom the Christian comes into contact have a right to know what has been revealed to the follower of Christ. We are to make it known both by precept and example. The Christian is to publish the good news of salvation. They are never to grow weary of the recital of God’s goodness.
Jesus, our divine Master, Jesus our divine Savior, Jesus our divine Judge, Jesus our divine Lawyer (Advocate) Jesus our divine Creator always exalted the name of His Heavenly Father. Jesus our all in all always taught His disciples to pray
“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name” (Mat 6:9, A.R.V.).
Today, God’s people who were first called “Christians” in Antioch (Acts 11:26) are never to forget to acknowledge,
“Thine is . . . the glory” (Mat 6:13).
That is the testimony that will literally move the world!
“If Christians were to act in concert, moving forward as one, under the direction of one Power, for the accomplishment of one purpose, they would move the world.” {CCh 69.8}
“We talk much about the truth; but unless we live the truth, unless we ourselves are reaching its standard, and helping others to reach it, our work will not have the approval of Heaven.” {RH, June 19, 1913 par. 9}
“We do not realize how untiring are Satan’s efforts to sap our spirituality. He is working mightily that the people of God may be only half converted. Then self will swell to large proportions, and there will be no revelation to the world of the transforming power of God. If this power does not rest upon God’s people and move them to sanctified action, they cannot do the work in the earth that has been shown us must be done. Without this power, they will not realize their responsibility as his representatives in a world of unbelief.” {RH, June 19, 1913 par. 10}
“If Jesus were made the sum and substance of every discourse given, sinners would be converted. By the message borne they would know what they must do to be saved. Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary, higher and still higher. He who draws nigh to Christ need not try to shine. As he beholds the Savior, he catches the divine rays of light from the Sun of Righteousness, and he can not help shining. The light that is in him shines forth in clear, bright rays, in words and works of righteousness.
Christ’s grace dwells in him richly, and heaven’s light shines through him. He honors Christ by complete obedience. He is stimulated to more vigorous action in the cause of God as he imparts that which the Lord gives him. He is a light-bearer in the world, shedding light on those who are in darkness. He walks close by the side of Christ, conversing with Him and gathering divine principles from His Word. He goes about doing good, comforting the downcast, guiding wandering footsteps in the narrow way, sweetening the cup of bitterness which many drink as the result of their own course of action, watching over those who need the guidance of a firm, steady hand to lead them to the feet of the Master, helping all with whom he comes in contact to fight resolutely the battles of the Lord.” {ST, July 4, 1900 par. 13}
Let God Manage You
“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us. Psalm 90:17.” {TMK 218.1}
“God wants you to let Him manage you, that you may be a loving and lovable Christian. (John 1:12) The Lord would have the natural and hereditary traits of character come under the pruning knife of His Word. Look steadfastly unto Jesus, that you may catch His spirit and cherish the qualities of Christlike character.
“Then it will be recognized by all who have any connection with you, that you have learned of Christ His meekness, His affection, His tenderness, His sympathy. Never rest satisfied until you possess a loving and lovable spirit. Your words may come from the good treasure of the heart to strengthen, help, bless, and win all around you…. Others catch your spirit. The seeds we sow will bear a harvest in goodness, patience, kindness, and love, or exactly the opposite.” {TMK 218.2}
“The badge of Christianity is not an outward sign, not the wearing of a cross or a crown, but it is that which reveals the union of man with God. By the power of His grace manifested in the transformation of character the world is to be convinced that God has sent His Son as its Redeemer. No other influence that can surround the human soul has such power as the influence of an unselfish life. The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian.” {MH 470.1}
To many in the world today, a “loving and lovable Christian” just doesnt make sense for a lot of people. It means nothing to them. But to Jesus, NOTHING IS SOMETHING.
Friends, Jesus loves you now. Jesus Loves You Now.
“But NOW in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made near by the blood of Christ.” Eph 2:13 We are made near NOW by the blood of Christ.
“Righteousness by faith means we are accepted before we are acceptable, we are loved before we are lovable, and we are received before we are receivable.” — Dr. Leslie Pollard at the Alberta Conference Ministries Convention, Apr 12, 2026.
Jesus said to her, I am the Resurrection and the Life! He who believes in Me, though he die, yet he shall live. (John 11:25)
John 11:25
Yesterday, on the Sabbath, we had a brief discussion on “Abiding In Christ,” and how that pertains to God’s law NOT being done away with on the cross. Unfortunately, there is another reason that many believers say the law has been done away with. This reason is more specific in trying to say the seventh-day Sabbath is “no longer applicable” because the law was done away with on the cross. Many people make the erroneous claim that “SUNDAY” is a memorial to the RESURRECTION. (still meaning that the Bible Sabbath is not needed) But is this what the Bible says? The answer is a resounding NO!
So what is the memorial of the resurrection for Christians? Baptism by immersion, and the Lord’s supper are the only things in Scripture that are to serve as a memorial of Christ’s death and resurrection. (Rom 6:4, Col 2:12, 1 Cor 11:23-30). No where is Sunday named in Scripture as a memorial to anything, especially of the resurrection.
Why Is The Resurrection So Important?
And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.” (1 Cor 15:17-18, NIV)
Resurrection Power Today
Today is “Easter Sunday.” This message will reflect on one of the most central truths of our Christian faith—the resurrection of the dead. As we look at 1 Corinthians 15, among other places, Paul offers us not just a doctrine, but a living hope that transforms our lives, our understanding of death, and our future with Christ. This passage reminds us that the resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith, the guarantee of our salvation, and the very reason we have hope in the face of death.
The Resurrection as the Foundation of Our Faith
Let us begin by turning to 1 Corinthians 15:14. Paul writes
“If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”
This verse tells us something crucial: without the resurrection, everything we believe, everything we teach, and everything we hope for would be in vain. The resurrection is the very foundation of our Christian faith. If Christ had not risen from the dead, then our faith would lack substance and hope. The victory over death that Jesus achieved when He rose from the grave is what validates our faith. It proves that Christ is the Son of God, that He has power over sin, and that He has secured eternal life for us.
Jesus as the Firstfruits of the Resurrection
In 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul states, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
Here, Paul calls Jesus the “firstfruits” of those who have died, a term that signifies that Jesus is the first to be raised to eternal life, and His resurrection guarantees that others will follow. This is not just a future hope, but a reality that shapes our present lives. Just as the firstfruits of a harvest give us the assurance that more fruit will come, so too does Christ’s resurrection assure us that all who belong to Him will also be raised. We, too, will be resurrected, the same way as Christ was. Jesus did not go to Heaven as soon as he died and so it follows, from the Bible that neither will we. His experience is to be our’s. (see Rom 5:18-19, and many others)
Victory Over Death
In 1 Corinthians 15:26, Paul writes, “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” Obviously, death would be “destroyed” as soon as the believer goes to Heaven, so if we did go to Heaven as soon as we die, then death would be the first enemy to be destroyed, not the last. The timing of all this is important.
Death is often seen as the final and inescapable reality, yet the resurrection teaches us that death is not the end. Jesus’ victory over the grave is a decisive blow to the power of death. In Christ’s resurrection, we see the first fruit of victory, a victory that will be fully realized when He returns. This is why the resurrection is so important—it assures us that death no longer has the last word. Death has been defeated through Christ, and one day, when He returns, death will be completely destroyed.
The Transformation of Our Bodies
In 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, Paul writes, “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.”
Here, Paul gives us a vision of the resurrection that is both comforting and transformative. He tells us that our mortal, weak, and perishable bodies will be changed—transformed into bodies that are imperishable, glorious, and powerful. This transformation is not just symbolic; it is real. Our physical bodies, though subject to decay and death, will be raised in a glorified state, perfectly suited for eternal life with God. The resurrection is not merely about the continuation of life; it is about the complete restoration of what God intended for us. It is the ultimate fulfillment of His promise that we would experience the fullness of life, body and soul.
The Timing of the Resurrection
In 1 Corinthians 15:22-23, Paul writes, “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.”
This passage clearly teaches that the resurrection of the righteous will occur at the second coming of Christ. Paul teaches us that there is a future resurrection that will involve both the dead and the living. When Jesus returns, those who have died in Christ will be raised, and those who are still alive will be transformed. The resurrection is not something that happens immediately after death, it didn’t even happen that way with Jesus. Jesus did not go to Heaven as soon as He died. His experience is to be ours. Christ came to this world to show us what God can do and what we can do in cooperation with God. In human flesh He went into the wilderness to be tempted by the enemy. He knows what it is to hunger and thirst. He knows the weakness and the infirmities of the flesh. He was tempted in all points like as we are tempted.
The resurrection will take place at the return of Christ. No resurrection would be needed if we are already in Heaven. This truth gives us hope and comfort in the face of death, that non-believers do not have; just knowing that our loved ones who have passed away in Christ will be resurrected at the glorious appearing of our Savior, and that we will “rise together” to meet our Lord.
Our Resurrection
But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, that you be not grieved, even as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him all those who have fallen asleep through Jesus. For we say this to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall not go before those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall ever be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thes 4:13-18)
The Defeat of Death Signalled Through Christ’s Resurrection
In 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, Paul writes, “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ Where, O death, is your sting?’”
Paul here quotes from the Old Testament, emphasizing that the resurrection of the dead will culminate in the complete defeat of death. Through Christ’s resurrection, death has lost its sting; it no longer has power over us. This victory is not just a future promise but a present reality for the believer. Because of Christ’s resurrection, we can face death without fear, knowing that it is temporary and that our ultimate victory has already been secured in Christ.
“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” “What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are you not in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ AT HIS COMING? For you are our glory and joy.” {AA 257.2}
How “Easter” Shows Us What Love Is
What is love?
It’s one of the deepest questions of the human experience. And the world’s answers can be confusing. Is it a feeling? An obligation? How much is enough? With so many opinions, where do we find the truth about love?
1 John 3:16 gives us a clear answer: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” This verse doesn’t just define real love, it gives us the ultimate example of it: Love is sacrifice. And God showed the full expression of that love when Jesus died on the cross to atone for our sins.
Easter Saturday adds weight to this truth. It’s a day that sits in the quiet between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. On this day, the tomb was still sealed. There was no celebration yet. Just silence, waiting, and the cost of the cross still hanging in the air.
This gave the disciples time to sit in the reality of what had happened. It wasn’t a close call. It wasn’t an almost-sacrifice. Jesus truly died. He truly gave everything. And this emphasizes a powerful truth: Love costs something. Love is sacrifice.
Then John turns the spotlight onto us: “And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” Most of us won’t be asked to die for someone. But we all face everyday moments where choosing to love like Jesus could cost us something. Showing up for someone in crisis when you’re already stretched. Covering someone’s need when it hits your budget. Sharing Jesus when it could cost you your comfort or reputation.
This is the truth of God’s love for us: Christ poured Himself out for us first, and from that love, we’re moved to love others the same way. And when you love like that, people don’t just hear about God’s love, they experience it for themselves.
