Pastor Shane Krause

What Difference Does It Make? Life is full of either/or moments. Some of them are of little long-term consequence. Some of them matter more. One either/or moment is life-changing for every human being: either Jesus is still dead, or Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus claimed he would rise from the dead. “The Son of Man must suffer many things. . . be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31). So if Jesus remains dead, he is both a failure and a fraud. If Christ has not been raised, we are still in our sin. But Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! It makes all the difference! He lives!
He Lives to Rule All Things for the Church—Without the resurrection of Jesus, we would have to wonder who oversees the world. At times the world seems so chaotic. People claim to be in charge but they have limited power and strange ideas. Many of the ideas are harmful for Christians. Leaders seem to lead without acknowledging Jesus.
But he lives, and it makes a difference. Jesus is head over everything for the Church. At the time of Ascension, he takes his proper place. The Festival of the Ascension is one of the oldest and most joyful celebrations in the Christian Church. It will be observed by Christians until Christ returns to take us to be with him.
What Difference Does It Make? He Lives to Rule All Things for the Church