We need present tense proclamation. Too many sermons teach Christians to look for Jesus in the past and in the future, but neglect to teach Christians to see, encounter, surrender to, and daily obey the continually risen Jesus in the now!

On Easter, Christians like to say, “Jesus is risen.” The truth is, He has been risen for almost 2,000 years! It’s wonderful that Jesus’ tomb is empty. but it’s sad if those who say they’re Christians have hearts empty and unaware of His glorious presence.

The Bible says we can be distracted from the risen Jesus by “another Jesus.” Accept no substitute for the resurrected Jesus. To compartmentalize the Resurrection into one day a year is to miss out on the reality of His continual presence.

The risen Jesus needs to be proclaimed and demonstrated in the present moment, not just referred to in the past or future. The risen Jesus is the now Jesus–not just the “back then” or “someday” Jesus!

If you go to church, take the risen Jesus with you. Don’t just go hear a talk about Him. The body of Christ needs overseers, not over-bearers–people who let the risen Jesus lead instead of trying to control Him.

Though you may believe you are trapped by a behavior, the risen Jesus has opened your prison door. Step out into His freedom!

The living, resurrected Jesus fulfills the Beatitudes:

• The risen Jesus is the One who comes to those who are “poor in spirit” and aligns them with God.
• The risen Jesus is the One who sees and cares about those who mourn and comforts them.
• The risen Jesus is the One who embraces those who are meek, humble, and pliable and leads them into the land of God’s promises.
• The risen Jesus is the One who feeds the spiritually hungry and fills them with His presence.
• The risen Jesus is the One who forgives and has mercy on people who forgive and have mercy on others.
• The risen Jesus is the One who opens the eyes of those who purify their heart and shows them the presence of God.
• The risen Jesus is the One who calls those who make peace with God and with people “the children of God.”
• The risen Jesus is the One who gives His kingdom to those who are persecuted for righteousness and empowers them to rejoice.