“Jesus Is Alive As The Christ!”

“Jesus Is Alive As The Christ!”
Nine pastors built the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon east of the Mungo. Rev Dr Elangwe was the Presbyterial Secretary. He and myself were in Yaounde when I joined the team as I took care of Etoug-Ebe, now Nsimeyong and later on Ebolowa and Bertoua were added to me. The others were based in Dschang, Nkongsamba, Bafoussam, Mbanga, Bonaberi, Bonamoussadi and Garoua. Like a mustard seed, that one East Mungo presbytery has expanded into five presbyteries with about a hundred pastors. Glory be to God for the dramatic growth and expansion.
I reminisce on this because our PS the Rev Dr Elangwe used to tell me, “George, our work is to gather the lost sheep and bring them into the fold. Once they are in, then the teaching ministry begins.”
When people hear the gospel for the first time the story excites them but generally they come along with the packages of their previous cultures and understandings of certain important doctrines. They may find it difficult to accept certain basic teachings of their new faith. It needs a convincing teacher to gradually open their eyes as s/he gives them new understanding.
Such was the case with the Corinthian Christians. They found it difficult to believe in the message of the resurrection even though the other stories about Jesus were convincing to them.
Some believed and even received baptism on behalf of their dead relatives, but some were not very convinced that the dead will be raised.
Paul was at pains to explain to them why the belief in the resurrection was important to their faith. Any refutation about the dead being raised from the dead was a subtle way of arguing against the resurrection of Jesus who was raised to become the Christ.
The truth is that “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep…”(I Cor.15:12-20).
Our faith is meaningless if we do not believe in the resurrection. But to us we believe that Christ has won the victory over the grave. Death, that ugly, scary monster can no longer hold us captive in the grave.
My friend, Jesus Christ rose from the dead. We too shall arise. Eternity is real. Prepare yourself to enjoy heaven as you give and live your life to Christ and in Christ.
Post Easter prayer: My faith looks up to you my Jesus the Risen Lord. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!