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Forever Changed by the Living Jesus

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances. —Robert Flatt

Information alone rarely changes lives. But when someone experiences the truth, their future is often changed for good. This is certainly the case with the disciples, who went from frightened to fearless very quickly. So what happened?

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (John 20:19-20)

This encounter with the living Christ transformed them from men who hid behind “doors locked for fear of the Jews” into an unstoppable team. History and tradition show us that the disciples were tortured, exiled, and killed for their faith:

James of Zebedee beheaded, A.D. 44

Philip was scourged and crucified in Phrygia

Matthew was martyred in Ethiopia, A.D. 60

James stoned and clubbed, A.D. 94

Matthias (Judas’ replacement) was stoned and beheaded in Jerusalem

Andrew was crucified in Edessa

Peter crucified

Bartholomew was beaten and crucified in India

Thomas thrust with a spear

Simon the Zealot crucified, A.D. 74

Judas of James crucified in Edessa, A.D. 72

John exiled to Patmos

Billions of people can testify to the change that the resurrected Christ has made in their lives! Yes, information is important. But a living, relational experience with the risen Christ is most important.

How would your life be changed if you had a fuller awareness of the resurrected Jesus?

Risen Christ, I want more than just the facts that show You rose from the dead. I am open to experiencing You today, on a personal level, in any way that You choose! Amen.

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