Topic: Resurrection Truths That Shatter Fear [RICK WARREN Devotional 12 April   2022]

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Resurrection Truths That Shatter Fear

“[Jesus] included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own.”

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (The Message)The Bible is full of commands. But do you know which one is the most common?

Don’t be afraid.

You’ll find it 365 times in Scripture—including several times in the Easter story. “Don’t be afraid” were the first words the angel told those who showed up at the tomb on Easter morning. They were also the first words Jesus spoke after the resurrection.

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It’s no wonder why it’s a common theme in the Bible and the Easter story: Fear is humanity’s most common problem.

You might not think you’re a fearful person. But you rarely realize how many of your decisions are based on fear, such as the fear of what people think of you and the fear of failure.

But Easter brings good news! Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, you can now live without fear. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, “[Jesus] included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own” (The Message).

When you live according to the resurrection of Christ, the Bible says you’re living a better life, a life free from fear.

In fact, there are five truths about the resurrection that will set you free from fear if you understand them. I’ll share these truths over the next two days.

First, you know Jesus tells you the truth. Throughout history many people have claimed to be God or the Messiah—but only one proved it. The Bible says, “[Jesus] was declared to be God’s Son with great power by rising from the dead” (Romans 1:4 NCV).

Without the resurrection, you couldn’t trust anything Jesus said. But you can trust what Jesus says about God, heaven, and everything else he taught because he rose from the dead like he said he would.

When you understand Jesus tells the truth and that you can trust what he says, it becomes easier to let go of your fears.

Second, you know death isn’t the end. Until Jesus rose from the dead, you didn’t know if there was life after death, because there was no proof. Jesus changed that. The Bible tells us, “God raised the Lord Jesus from the dead, and we know that God will also raise us with Jesus” (2 Corinthians 4:14 NCV).

You don’t need to fear death, because Jesus’ resurrection shows us that death isn’t the end of the story. It’s really the beginning of your eternal life in God’s presence.

Learning to live without fear will transform your life now! Tomorrow I’ll share three more Easter truths that will help you live free from fear.

• What are some fears that hold you back from the life of purpose God has planned for you?
• Why do you think so much of our lives are ruled by fear?
• What would a life free of fear look like for you? How would it impact your daily interactions with other people?

Are you tired of being imprisoned by fear?

It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from. If you’re ready to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, the door is wide open for you.

You can pray this simple prayer right now: “Dear God, I’m tired of pretending and people pleasing and the stress of trying to be perfect when I can’t be. I’m tired of holding on to hurt and memories that continue to cause pain in my life. I’m tired of being afraid of rejection and afraid of being fully known. I want to let it all go.

“Lord, I surrender everything that has brought me shame, regret, resentment, and worry. I don’t want to live that way anymore! I want to live a life of freedom, and I know that can only be found through your Son, Jesus Christ.

“Today, I confess my sin to you and ask you to forgive me. Thank you, Jesus, that you made a way for me to be forgiven and accepted because of what you did on the cross and your resurrection. I submit to you as Lord of my life and want to follow you for the rest of my life. Please fill me with your love and hope and help me to walk in faith, not fear. I ask this in your name. Amen.”

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