Zeal Stoker

Dealing with feelings of failure, depression, despair, dissatisfaction, loneliness, and not being good enough. Wondering about life in the present, “Is this it?” Sometimes our feelings are justified (we do fall short); sometimes we’ve got it wrong, because we’re doing great and making a difference. Nevertheless we feel what we feel, and we may not have anyone present to encourage us. That said, we must be adept at encouraging and comforting ourselves in Christ.

What will our resurrected bodies be like? We will be like Jesus - incorruptible, glorious, powerful, spiritual. That said there will always be skeptics. We’ve got to be better about allowing others to ask questions; better at knowing we don’t know everything or have all the answers. We should however share confidently what we DO know. God has revealed so much to us through our Lord Jesus Christ, through His apostles, and His Word. Praise be to God in Christ for giving us hope in this life and beyond the grave!

We can live freely, unencumbered when we consider ourselves to be that “dead man walking”. This attitude..lifestyle is possible when trusting Jesus’ power over death. That said, we are called to wake up! “Awake and do not sin!” If we have the knowledge of God, then live like it! (1 Cor. 15:29-34)

Jesus Christ is the first of many who will be raised from the dead. Those reconciled to God in Christ will be raised in the first resurrection. Those estranged from God will be raised from the dead to be judged by their works, sadly to spend eternity apart from God in the Lake of Fire. Death (the last enemy) will be defeated once and always; life as we know it will end. God will very clearly reign supreme over all His creation.

The Bible describes virtues of bravery, courage, and strength as synonymous with manliness. It’s okay to be afraid, but fight! Do what needs to be done despite fear or the odds against you!

Old Testament saints seemed to have believed physical death meant the end of life and consciousness. But their faith in life after death (and the resurrection for that matter) seemed to develop in time spent as the Lord revealed. This study addresses Paul’s conclusive statement, that if the dead do not rise, “Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (1 Cor. 15:18-19)

“If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” verse by verse through 1 Cor. 15:12-19; considering the implications of life without a resurrected Savior. What we believe about Jesus makes the difference between him being merely a good person or the Son of God.

Gleaning from the Scriptures regarding “those who could go out to war, able to keep battle formation” (1 Chron. 12:36).

How Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection (validated by eye witnesses) makes all the difference!

Stoking your zeal for the things of God in Christ. Subscribe to receive verse-by-verse studies and biblical content to encourage you in your walk with Jesus Christ.