---Lord of the Living and the Dead
---Romans 14:7-12

In the New Testament, 'Lord' is the most frequently used title for Jesus Christ. Basically what Lord means= "one possessing authority, power, and control." The Word of God describes Jesus as the head of the church, the ruler over all creation, and the Lord of lords and King of kings (Col. 1:15-18; Rev. 3:14; 17:14).

The realm of Christ's reign covers everything that happens in heaven and on the earth. No one—not even those who deny His existence—can be free of His rule or outside His sphere of authority. Although Satan tries to convince us that liberty is found in doing what we want, 'true freedom is acquired only through submission to Christ's loving lordship.'

Even death cannot release anyone from the authority of God's Son. He is Lord of both the living and the dead. All people must decide to either yield or rebel against Him, but they have the opportunity to make this choice only while they are still living. After death, they will acknowledge Christ's lordship through accountability to Him. If we 'have not bowed' the knee to Jesus in life, we 'will be forced to bend it in the judgment'.

Have you submitted to Christ's rule over your life? His authority causes anger or fear in individuals who have not yet yielded to Him, but those who have experienced His lovingkindness, trusted in His goodness, and surrendered to His authority take comfort in knowing Him as the Lord of their lives.
--IN TOUCH
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[--If you have never trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, won't you do so? If you have acknowledged His Lordship, but have 'fallen away', He stands with open arms to receive you back into His Kingdom. We find in Romans 10:9-11, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scriptures says, "anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame."
You can right now, confess that you are a sinner in need of a Savior, and repent for rebelling against God. Ask Jesus to come into your life and help you to live for Him. He never turns anyone away, who comes to Him in true repentance and confession. Jesus loves you, my friend. He died that you might live forever with Him in Heaven, when He returns for His Church, (body of Believers).]