Luke 24:1-10 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared… I. THE TENDENCY TO THINK OF CHRIST AS PAST RATHER THAN PRESENT. 1. In His work of redemption. 2. In His converting power. 3. In His Pentecostal influences. 4. In His administration of earthly affairs. II. THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF THIS TENDENCY upon the Church, collectively and individually, when indulged. 1. It tends to the exaltation of the purely dogmatic over the practical and experimental confession of Christ. 2. It encourages the substitution of speculative theories of Christ's atoning work, for the actual power and continuance of that work itself in its application to human needs. 3. It deprives the Church of its great incentive to an active co-operation in the saving work of the Redeemer. III. THE GROUNDS AND THE CONCLUSIONS of the higher and absolutely true view of Jesus Christ as personally present at all times with His people, in the power and richness of His Divine life. His promise, "Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world." Observe therefore — 1. The necessity and comfort of habitually thinking of Christ as personally with us in the present varied needs and trials and duties of life. 2. The cheering prospect that death will only set us free, as it set Him free, from the restraints and limitations of this mixed world, and usher us into a state of boundless spiritual activity. 3. The uniqueness and authority of the gospel of Christ as the revelation of this life of the spirit, and as the power which can effectually save us from the fear and power of death. (H. R. Harris.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. |
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