Pastor's Corner

The young couple often picnicked in the cemetery overlooking Dayton. They explained that though many would think it a strange location, they enjoyed the peaceful quietness and the green beauty surrounding them. It was of note that they could be so comfortable in a place where many would be troubled. They attributed their attitude to their personal belief in Jesus Christ who promised to raise the dead. The cemetery held no fear for them. Death seemed to be their friend.

Their attitude was very much like that of the little girl who would walk through the cemetery on the way home from the bus stop. When the bus driver asked if she was frightened, she replied, "No. My home is on the other side!" How true her words are for the believer in Jesus Christ. Our eternal home is on the other side of death, safely guarded in the salvation we have in Christ.

Christ died for sinners. Because we have all sinned, we qualify! He was raised from the dead and promises everlasting life to all who put their trust in Him. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are born into a living hope. We are born "into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you" 1 Pe. 1:10.

The Bible says, "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" Ro. 10:9

What a saving declaration! Jesus Himself declared to those who were gathered at the tomb of Lazarus, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" Jn. 11:25-26. What confidence the Lord offers us. And yet it all hinges on the question He asked, "Do you believe this? Believing in Christ is a decision. It is a decision we can make at this very moment. It is a decision we can make in the face of doubt. It is the decision the Lord is looking for. God loves you and me. He will keep His promises to those who say yes to Him. Christ will come into your life.

Pastor Greg Brownell

Dayton United Brethren Church