Daily Devotions - The Power of the Resurrection

Acts 1:1-12  (ESV)
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

The Ascension
6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away.

 

How would you explain the effects of the resurrection to a non-believing friend? 

 

Risen Savior, thank You for coming to this earth for the purpose of dying for the sins of all people. With Your brutal death, You carried my sins to the grave and left them there. When You were resurrected, You brought with it the power of the resurrection for all people who accept Your gracious gift and believe in You. The troubles of this world do not have lasting power over me because of Your resurrection power that promises me everlasting life with You where You are seated on Your throne on the right hand of God in heaven. Thank You that this life is not the end of the story. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to give me Your resurrection power to be Your witnesses to the world. The Holy Spirit came to help and guide me in every aspect of my life. Allow my heart to be open to listen and to follow. As the Holy Spirit lives within me, transform me to become more like Jesus in my thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions. I will worship and serve You, Lord until You return in the same way that You ascended into the clouds. I look forward to the resurrection of all death and life everlasting. Amen