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Mastery over Mystery

Words of Faith Final

Mastery over Mystery
Words of Faith 8-27-2021
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2021
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Romans 6
    [8] Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. [9] For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. [10] The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

    A few years ago, I attended the funeral of a dear old friend. The funeral was in the church I grew up in and was for the mother of my closest childhood chum. I am far more accustomed to officiating at funerals and memorial services than attending, so it was a little different for me to sit in the congregation.
    I sat with my mother, not far from my friend, and together, we affirmed the familiar passages of Scripture which point us to life everlasting. Psalm 90 was read along with the familiar selections from John 14 and 1 Corinthians 15. The Pastor, also a dear friend, gave a stirring word of encouragement that we will be together again in eternity. As I tried to listen from the other side of the pew, I could not help but observe how easy it is even for people of faith to wonder, "What if this life is all that there is?" Hmmm.
     There is a certain mystery regarding the matter of life and death. I once heard a Christian speaker that I admired greatly say that if this is all there is to life, then following Jesus would still be a blessing. Living a life focused on the love of others rather than self is simply better. I confess to being disappointed that such a thought would come from this renowned person I so admired. Yet, I have since come to realize that even people of great faith entrust mysteries to God and hope for an eternity they have only barely glimpsed.
    We come back to the witness of the Scripture. Is there anything after this life, or do we just go to sleep for eternity? Paul says that "if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him." Why? "For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God."
    We rejoice in the testimony of Scripture that Jesus was actually raised from the dead and walked among the people. He really did win the victory. There really is mastery over death that He has won. His mastery overcomes my mystery.
 
   I trust in You for today, O Lord, and for eternity. You have mastered death and the grave. I will trust You with all of the mystery that remains. In Jesus' name.  Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2021
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)        
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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