Nothing more fundamental

Franklin Graham

From 30-Day-Spiritual-Bootcamp

Billy Graham Evangelical Association

“Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.”
—HEBREWS 12:1–2, ESV

There is nothing more fundamental to the Christian faith than the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

When Peter stood in Jerusalem immediately following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, he preached the cross of Christ and thousands were converted. Soon after, while preaching at Solomon’s Colonnade, Peter was arrested by the temple guard and hauled off to jail because the apostles were “teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead” (Acts 4:2, ESV).

When warned not to speak again in the Name of Jesus, Peter and John replied, “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20, ESV). There was absolutely no way the disciples of the Messiah would ever stop talking about the most marvelous, supernatural event in history.

While believers in Christ are commanded to pray for all those in authority, and to honor the Lord by obeying the laws of the land, the Scriptures also make it clear that the exception is when those laws violate the principles of God’s Word. We are citizens of two kingdoms: the civil kingdom of this world as well as the heavenly kingdom. “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20, ESV). As citizens of that heavenly kingdom, our allegiance lies with the kingship of the risen Christ, to whom belongs all rule and authority and might and dominion.

In the resurrection power of the Lord Jesus Christ, we live not in the fear of man, but in the holy fear of Almighty God to whom belongs glory and dominion forever. We want to “know [Christ] and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings” (Philippians 3:10).

Lord, please give me a renewed passion for the Good News of Jesus Christ and the boldness to tell others about His life, death, and resurrection. Help me to overcome any fear I have of sharing Your truth with those around me. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.