Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, power, and dominion forever and ever, and to the Holy Ghost, who still abides in us. The key phrase for March is “Resurrection Power.” This message for the week delves into the concept of “Power Over Defeat.”

Jesus’ resurrection was a monumental event in history. It was the first time someone rose from the dead, never to die again. As the Son of God, Jesus conquered death. Apostle Peter explained, “Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it” (Acts 2:24). This was a faithful and total defeat of death, and the risen Christ declared, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Revelation 1:18). This means that Jesus Christ is sovereign over death.

Jesus Christ was sinless, which is why He was able to conquer death. Sin brought about the curse upon mankind in the Garden of Eden, and the wage of sin is death. But Jesus had no sin (1 Peter 2:22), so death had no power over Him. Jesus’ death was a voluntary sacrifice for our sins. He said, “…I lay down my life, that I might take it again” (John 10:17).

Jesus Christ’s power over death has eternal consequences for us. The gospel is grounded in Christ’s triumph over death. Without the resurrection, there is no gospel, and there is no hope for us. “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). But Christ has risen, and as fellow conquerors with Him, believers have passed from death to life. 1 John 3:14 says, “We know that we have passed from death unto life.” Therefore, Jesus Christ’s power over defeat (defeating death) fulfills prophecy.

Remember, “…With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop