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The risen Christ gave a promise to his followers before his ascension back to glory. He promised "you will receive power... and you will be my witness." Jesus promised that his disciples would testify to the work of redemption he had just accomplished and his lordship over all things. While this does not apply to us in exactly the same way as it did to the initial eye-witnesses, we still have this same commission to take the gospel to all people in the power of the Holy Spirit.

God has been calling His people to repentance throughout redemptive history. One such call came from the prophet Zechariah. During a time of difficult rebuilding and in the face of great opposition, God used Zechariah to warn His people about the sins of their forefathers and to call them to return to Him. Similarly, God’s people today need to heed the word of the prophet Zechariah given to God’s people long ago: “Return to Me and I will return to you.” 

Does Christ glorify us? John Latham explains in this video that Christ glorifies sinners when after death, He raises us to be with him and our bodies will be glorified. 1 Corinthians 15 discusses this. 1 Corinthians 15 states that this inglorious body that gets sick and continues to be corrupted by sin won't be that way for eternity. It will be raised and glorified. We don't exactly know what that looks like, but we will be like Christ in some way.  Even now, Christ is glorifying His people. Paul talks of this in Romans 8 when he talks of Christ glorifying us. Even now, He is preparing us for that day when He will bring us into His glory.   Philippians 3:20-21 (NKJV) - "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself."

What are common ways people mischaracterize Christ? John Latham explains in this video that there are many contrary and unbiblical teachings about Jesus Christ. Many either want to strip away His deity or His humanity. They say that he was merely a good man or a good teacher. The Bible speaks of Him being our Redeemer. He triumphed over sin and He died on the cross. Because of His perfect obedience, the price was acceptable to God. He was our propitiation. We are no longer slaves to sin but we are slaves to God. Colossians 2:8-9 (NKJV) – “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”

How does the Resurrection provide hope to suffering individuals? John Latham explains in this video that the Resurrection and the Ascension of Christ has had a great impact upon the church that he pastors.  He shares that there have been several tragic deaths and individuals who struggle with chronic illnesses. One of the ways they comfort each other is by meditating on the truth of the Resurrection. Because Christ lives, we can face whatever happens in this life.   Revelations 21:4 (NKJV) - "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

How can God be both just and justify sinners? John Latham explains in this video that one of the great mysteries that we grapple with and one of the most joyful truths in Scripture is that God can justify the ungodly guilty. To justify involves the declaring of one being innocent.   For God to be able to look at us and say that a person is not guilty is one of the great mysteries of Scripture. How does He do it? He does it through His Son. The great truth of the Gospel is that what we could not do for ourselves, God did it through His Son.   Romans 3:23-26 (NKJV) – “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”

How does Christ give us hope? John Latham explains in this video that whatever comes our way, we have a Savior who loves us, has saved us, and is sanctifying us. This knowledge has impacted his family and his church that Christ is risen.  We serve a Savior who is still saving people. In the taking of the Lord's Supper, we remember that we have been saved through the body of Christ. We remember that we have been saved by Him.  Hebrews 2:14-15 (NKJV) - "Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."

What can we learn about the Trinity? John Latham explains in this video that the Trinity has always existed in perfect union, love, and fellowship. The relationship between Father, Spirit, and Son is a profound mystery.  We cannot really truly grasp this relationship between the Trinity. For instance, the Son has always been the Son of the Father, but He is not created and He is not somehow lesser than God. The relationship has never changed. Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV) - "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen."

How is Christ described in the book of Hebrews? John Latham explains in this video that in Hebrews, Jesus is described as being holy, harmless, and undefiled. Christ was set apart - He was to be the Messiah.  The Old Testament priests were not holy or without sin, as the writer of Hebrews notes. But, Christ was the perfect priest. He was completely without sin, He was obedient to His Father, He was loving to his neighbor. Hebrews 7:26 (NKJV) – “For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens.” 

How does Christ sanctify us? John Latham explains in this video that Christ sanctifies sinners primarily through His Spirit. What Christ does is intercede for us. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ sanctifies His bride. He convicts us of sin and leads us to repentance. He sanctifies us through His Word.  He brings conviction of areas where we have fallen short. He brings us hope and makes us more like Himself. He sanctifies us through His people.  1 Corinthians 6:11 (NKJV) - "And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."

How does Christ intercede on our behalf? John Latham explains in this video that Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father constantly making intercession for us. The Son of God has been exalted and has been given all power and authority.  It is a beautiful picture of God's continuing love and mercy for us. Christ died on the cross and lives to make intercession.  Romans 8:34 (NKJV) - "Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us."