When this Missouri boy moved out west a couple of years ago, I must confess that I ignorantly assumed the desert was pretty lifeless. It took just a few short weeks for me to realize how wrong I was. Two years later, I’m still amazed at the teeming life of the desert from bugs and birds to shrubs and snakes. In the classic film Jurassic Park, Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) states that “life…finds a way.” Unlike the eccentric scientist, however, I know there is more to it than random chance and genetic mutation. There is a God who created everything from nothing, order from disorder, and life from nonlife. As Jesus said, “He is not the God of the dead but of the living” (New International Version, Matthew 25:32).

This time of year, we celebrate the God who displayed his love by sending his Son, Jesus, to die an atoning death on the cross. We believe He manifested his power by bodily raising Christ from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith; Christianity, in essence, is a resurrection religion. We believe that Jesus truly lived, truly died, and truly rose again. Therefore, we trust his promise that those who believe in him will also be raised and granted eternal life. We believe that someday this world will pass away with a roar, and a new world will come, bringing a final and undying spring.

Every time I see the sun break over the mountains in the east, hear the warbling of a desert sparrow or feel the warm evening breeze on my face, I’m reminded of the promise of resurrection. The same God who brings life to the desert brings life to our broken, dying world. This regeneration is founded in Jesus Christ himself who said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11.25). This same hope was beautifully expressed by Bill & Gloria Gaither as they sang, “Because He lives, / I can face tomorrow / Because He lives, / All fear is gone / Because I know He holds the future / And life is worth the living just because He lives” (Gaither).

Do you feel like you’re really living, or just existing? Has this world so full of turmoil, stress, and division got you feeling helpless and hopeless? I invite you to take a fresh look at the Savior, who faced death head-on and emerged victoriously. Hear the words of the prophet Isaiah: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43.19).

Come worship with us at First Baptist Church. We are located at 830 Hafen Lane in Mesquite, Nevada. Our service starts at 9 AM. Come early for coffee and refreshments and stay after for Bible Study.

Justin Mosher

Associate Pastor, FBC