The story of Jesus healing the man born blind in John 9 offers great comfort and hope to God’s people. It is not the hope of healing. It is the certain hope that the "works of God" (9:3) are displayed in the midst of our trials. Christ was exalted as He worked in this blind man’s life. Christ can exalt Himself and bring purpose to any life under any conditions.

Through the resurrection of Lazarus in John 11, Jesus shows He has the power over death. He is "the resurrection and the life" (11:25). He controls life and death. Like Martha, we trust in Him as the Son of God no matter how bleak our circumstances seem.

Jesus came into Jerusalem as a King. (John 12:13-15) He would leave as a criminal condemned to crucifixion. Those who see more glory in the latter than the former, understand how Christ can be glorified in all things.

In a world where the way of death so often seems to hold sway over the way of life, it is good to be reminded again on this glorious day that LIFE WINS!

Easter hope lies not in some good man who taught of peace and love. Easter hope lies not in some man who died for a good cause. Easter hope lies not in some man who was raised from the dead. Easter hope lies in the words of Thomas, "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). That makes Easter hope a sure and certain hope!

The Word of God points to a resurrected Jesus. (Luke 24:27). The Word of God gives new life, is "living," and "remains forever." (1 Peter 1:22-25) It is the perfect word to apply to life and those issues that deal with life.

Satan comes to "steal and kill and destroy" life. The Good Shepherd came to give life "abundantly." (John 10:10) To disguise abortion as anything but sin and the work of Satan brings aid and comfort to our enemy. To proclaim Jesus and His abundant life to those considering an abortion or to those who have had one brings strength, hope, and healing.

As we rejoice and take comfort in His promise, "I go to prepare a place for you," so we must trust in His timing, "I will come again and will take you to myself." (John 14:3)

Paul’s speaking to the Athenians in Acts 17:16-31 provides a model for engaging society and using the life issues to proclaim Christ. He started where they were at. (23) He proclaimed biblical truths without "Bible thumping." (24-29) He ended up sharing the resurrected Jesus. (31)

May 4 – 7^th Sunday of Easter

The early Christians suffered many "fiery" trials. (1 Peter 4:12) Christians today in many parts of the world continue to suffer insults, bodily harm, and even death for the name of Christ. We do not honor such Christians when we fail to take a biblical stand on the life issues because we fear mere discord or ridicule. We can, as they did, "entrust [our] souls to a faithful Creator while doing good" (4:19).

The Holy Spirit poured out upon believers (Acts 2:1-21), is pour out of believers as "living water." (John 7:37). "Living water" because the Spirit is at work bringing faith, forgiveness, hope, and life eternal. What greater For Life message could there be?

"In the beginning . . ." God, the Father, created. (Genesis 1:1) "And the Spirit of God was hovering . . . (1:2b). "And God said . . ." (1:3). The Word of God, the Son who would become flesh, was the agent of God’s creative work. This Triune God brought forth in six days of creation the backdrop for the crown of His creation, "Let us make man in our image" (1:26a). Contemplate the value this gives to human life.

Jesus stated it clearly, "Do not be anxious about your life . . ." (Matthew 6:25). But sometimes we seek worldly solutions to our problems as if He didn’t mean it, as if we are not engraved on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16a). It is always good to be reminded, "Seek first the kingdom of God . . ." (Matthew 6:33a).

"There is no distinction: for all have sinned" (Romans 3:22b-23a). The post-abortive woman, who often feels like the worst of sinners, needs to hear this clearly. It will help open the door of her heart to hear, "and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (3:24).

Jesus came to save sinners, even tax collectors who were considered by many to be the worst of sinners. (Matthew 9:9-13) Many consider abortionists to be the worst of sinners today. Do we despise them or pray that Christ’s mercy will touch them?

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). There are no circumstances, sufferings, or pains in life that can ever separate us from the assurance of such a love.

God knows us intimately, to our very hairs. Such knowledge gives value. Such value calms fears. We can boldly acknowledge Christ and His truth. (Matthew 10:26-33)