One of the hardest things about the Christian life is that we do not see the full outworking of the plan of God – of the promises of God – this side of the grave. We see indications and glimpses. We see God at work. But so much is unfinished and unseen. With many projects in this world (home renovations, etc.), we have the satisfaction of seeing the end result. But the journey of faith is not like that. We live in hope of God’s promises. We stake everything on His word. We invest ourselves in serving Him for as many years as He gives us. And then we die – we are buried – and we trust and believe that we will see the fruit of our efforts on the other side of the grave.

Of course, the Name that is “above all other names” (Phil. 2:19) belongs to Jesus Christ. There is so much power and majesty in the Name of Jesus. Would you consider coming to God through this glorious Name to be made new – to be cleansed of sin, restored, and called God’s own child? A fresh start awaits. A new identity beckons. A God-given purpose calls. And when you finish your race of faith on earth, you will receive yet another name. As Revelation 2:17 declares, “To the one who overcomes… I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone.” To God be the glory!

Clearly, the reality of Christ’s resurrection is cause for great hope! The resurrection extends to all Christ-followers. Paul explains, “as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (v. 22). In this sense, Christ is the “firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (v. 20). This is the very anchor of the Christian faith that holds in all storms of life.

Clearly, the reality of Christ’s resurrection is cause for great hope! The resurrection extends to all Christ-followers. Paul explains, “as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (v. 22). In this sense, Christ is the “firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (v. 20). This is the very anchor of the Christian faith that holds in all storms of life.

In Ephesians 1, Paul prays that believers would know God better – and, in particular, that they would know God’s incredibly great power (v. 19). Paul shows how that power raised Christ from the grave and seated him on high. In chapter 2, Paul shows how that very same power has been at work in us in our salvation story. The extent of God’s power in our lives is revealed as Paul lays out for us the story of our rescue—and that story begins with Paul reminding us of our natural condition: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins…” (vv. 1-3)