Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:28-29

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.

In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour




Rodney Stark, social sciences professor at Baylor University, says that during the plagues that repeatedly hit the ancient Roman Empire, Romans would throw people out into the street at the first symptoms of disease. They knew the disease was dangerous, and they were afraid of dying. But the Christians were different. They stayed and nursed the sick–something you could do only if you thought, so what if I die? I have eternal life.

You will die; other people you know will die, but Jesus Christ lives. Those who die with faith in Jesus Christ will live. For Christians, death is not final.

John 20:24-31 is about how Jesus Christ appeared to a man who doubted His resurrection. That man’s name was Thomas.

Thomas, struggling to believe without seeing, touched Jesus’ body and is brought to faith, a spiritual understanding that does not rely on physical proof.

John is not the only book of the Bible God uses to reveal this. Read Romans 8:11... “And if the Spirit of [God] who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.”

God wants you to have the same faith He gave Thomas. Faith believes what God says in the Bible. Faith believes what is spiritual from God and does not need physical things to prove it.

Jesus physically died. Jesus physically returned to life. Jesus is alive!

Here are ten reasons to believe Jesus Christ rose from the dead:

1. A public execution assured His death.
2. A high official secured the gravesite.
3. In spite of guards, the grave was found empty.
4. Many people claim to have seen Him alive.
5. His apostles were dramatically changed.
6. Witnesses were willing to die for their claims.
7. Jewish believers changed their day of worship.
8. Although it was unexpected, it was clearly predicted.
9. It was a fitting climax to a miraculous life.
10. It fits the experience of those who trust Him.

Jesus is alive means my death is not final.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You have risen indeed! Grant me the courage to be an able witness to the power of Your resurrection and the new life You give. Amen.


Biography of Author:
In 2005, Pastor Kevin Wendt led a team from Concordia Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Thailand for a tsunami boat-building project.





To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.

Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 28-29    Romans 1

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